New climate partnership for Mullingar

Mullingar SEC and Watt Footprint join forces to help Mullingar achieve zero carbon by 2050

In creating a greener, more sustainable future, collaboration is key and in pursuit of the goal, the Mullingar Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) and Watt Footprint have come together to amplify their efforts towards building a zero-carbon community by 2050.

Mullingar SEC was established in 2018 as a sub-committee of Mullingar Chamber. Its vision is to create a zero-carbon community by 2050. This ambitious goal is underpinned by a wide-ranging work plan that includes continual awareness raising programmes, knowledge building and sharing networks, developing energy efficiency projects, and developing a large-scale solar park on the former landfill site at Marlinstown.

Earlier this year, Mullingar SEC launched an energy masterplan for Mullingar which sets out the actions that need to be taken to set the town on a path towards zero carbon by 2050.

Mullingar SEC understand that achieving that vision is a collaborative effort. They are working closely with the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), the SEC Network, Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, Leader, local residents associations, and other community organisations to strengthen their network, increase awareness, and share knowledge.

Established in 2020 by Paul Mahon and Paul O’Reilly, Watt Footprint is an energy management company with a primary focus on reducing energy costs while promoting sustainability.

With a skilled in-house team comprising engineers, auditors, metering experts, software developers, and project managers, their comprehensive services allow them to guide their clients through each step of the process from the first enquiry, to grant acquisition, project delivery, and successful grant drawdown and payment to client.

As part of the new partnership, Watt Footprint will support the goals of Mullingar SEC by providing them with expert knowledge and support, empowering the community to make more informed choices and to adopt more conscientious energy practices.

The support provided by Watt Footprint will be practical, aimed at enabling the SEC to achieve their goals faster and more efficiently. They will provide insights and innovative strategies, as well as knowledge of best practice and cutting-edge methodologies.

Watt Footprint’s commitment transcends conventional collaboration; it is a private company working to actively reinforce the goals and objectives of Mullingar SEC which is a community-based organisation. Watt Footprint will support and uphold each Mullingar SEC goal.

This includes the implementation of the Mullingar EMP (energy master plan), engaging the community in awareness programmes, developing energy efficiency projects, and exploring large-scale renewable opportunities.

Chairperson and co-founder of Watt Footprint, Paul O’Reilly, said: “The collaboration between Mullingar SEC and Watt Footprint is more than just a partnership; it’s a testament to the potential when like-minded organisations join forces. Mullingar SEC’s dedication to sustainability and Watt Footprint’s expertise in energy management create a powerful combination that holds great promise for the community.

“Together, we’ll work to provide practical solutions to help achieve the goal of becoming a zero-carbon community by 2050. This partnership highlights the real-world benefits of bringing local initiatives and expert guidance together, accelerating the path to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.”

Responding to Mr O’Reilly, chairperson of Mullingar SEC, Cllr Hazel Smyth, said: the group were delighted to be partnering with Watt Footprint “who have done so much to help businesses become more energy efficient and reduce their costs”.

“They have proven that what’s good for the environment is also good for business and we are lucky to have a company like this based in Mullingar. Their expertise and experience in the energy sector will help Mullingar SEC to accelerate the achievement of our goals and the delivery of the objectives of the Mullingar Energy Master Plan.

“This partnership between a community-based organisation and a private company is unique and innovative, and points to the type of collaborations we must build if we are to achieve our goal of a sustainable future. We look forward to working together over the coming years in helping Mullingar to reach zero carbon.”

The collaboration between Mullingar SEC and Watt Footprint serves as an example for the 750 sustainable energy communities that are now active all over Ireland.

For more information about Mullingar SEC and for details on how you can get involved in their work, see mullingarsec.ie.